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REACTIONS have been disappointed but understanding as the Bendigo show cancelled its annual event.
Bendigo Agricultural Show Society chief executive Ian Furze said the organisation had left it as late as possible to make the decision.
It marks the only year outside of wartime the event has been cancelled.
Mr Furze said the society would normally be making programs and marketing the event at this time of year.
He said entrants would also begin preparing around now.
Mr Furze said everybody was disappointed by the situation, but resigned to it.
"Most of the reaction that we've received so far has been one of very much sadness and disappointment, but total understanding of the reasons why," he said.
Earlier
BENDIGO'S annual agricultural show has been cancelled as the COVID-19 situation remains uncertain.
It is the first time in the show's history it has not run, with the exception of wartime.
The show was due to take place in late October.
The committee announced the show's cancellation in a statement issued on Friday morning.
It cited continuing restrictions and the health risks associated with COVID-19.
"The Committee of Management has decided the Annual Show could not go ahead in the interests of public health and safety," the statement said.
The show society could not delay any longer as it wanted to give as much notice as possible to volunteers, exhibitors, competitors, vendors, sponsors and entertainers, the statement said.
"The Show Society understands that many people who compete and attend the show will be disappointed by this decision, however, the health and wellbeing of everyone associated with this event is our first priority," the statement said.
The decision comes just a day after the federal government announced a $36 million support package to help support agricultural shows in their recovery from the COVID-19 crisis.
A spike of COVID-19 cases in Victoria has led to tightening of safety restrictions in recent days.
The Bendigo Agricultural Show has announced dates for its 2021 event.
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